Biology Major Core Courses
After the Principles of Biology series (Bi211-213), all biology majors take a common core of classes.

These are designed to provide breadth, depth, and exposure to experimental methods that will provide a foundation for advanced electives.

Course	Title	Credits	Professor	Description
Bi341	Genetics	4	Dr. Guralnick	The principles and mechanisms of inheritance, including consideration of patterns of inheritance, the nature of the gene, chromosome structure, gene action, population genetics and mechanisms of mutation. Three lectures. Prerequisites:  Majors introductory series (Bi 211-213).
Bi446	Evolution	4	Dr. Dutton	The historical development of evolutionary theory; genetic variability of populations; mechanisms of evolution; perspectives and generalizations developed from studies of fossils; evolution of human lineage. Prerequisite: Bi341 (Genetics).
Bi388	Cell Biology	4	Dr. Turner Dr. Galvan	An introduction to cell structure and function required for the Biology major. Examines the architecture and basic organelle activity in the intact cell and the major techniques currently employed to study cells. Three lectures and one 3-hour lab each week. Prerequisites: Bi 211-213 and Ch 221-223.
Bi331	General Microbiology Writing Intensive	5	Dr. Boomer	This writing intensive biology core course is designed to give you a broad knowledge of microbiology in the context of the planet, humankind, and general science. Course pre-requisites include 200-level biology (Bi211-3) and chemistry (Bi221-3).  Genetics is STRONGLY recommended and, if you have not taken it, you will need to do additional background reading in the text.
Bi357	General Ecology* Writing Intensive*	4	Dr. Haberman	The biology of ecosystems including abiotic factors, energy transformations, population dynamics and interspecific interactions. Course emphasizes basic ecological principles not current problems. Laboratories will focus on a survey of major ecosystems and will include field trips to selected sites. Three lectures and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: Bi 211-213 or permission of instructor.
Bi454/554	Plant Ecology* Writing Intensive	4	Dr. Guralnick	Fundamentals of plant ecology, population dynamics, seed and pollination ecology, mutualism, competition, predation, colonization and extinction, breeding sytems, ecological genetics and physiological ecology. Lab teaches techniques to study plants and illustrate lecture materials. Pre-requisite:  Any botany or ecology course, or consent of the instructor. May substitute for Ecology (Bi357) core requirement.

*Students may choose either General Ecology or Plant Ecology for the core.